Gulf of Tonkin Resolution (Southeast Asia Resolution, Public Law 88-408)

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Resolution

This law authorized U.S. President Lyndon Johnson to use military force in Southeast Asia without Congress’ declaration of war. After North Vietnamese attacks on U.S. naval vessels in international waters and U.S. air actions against the attacks, President Johnson requested such legislation be passed. It was approved by Congress on August 10, 1964 as the Joint Resolution of Congress 1145 and became Public Law 88-408.